What is Community Composting?

What Community Composting is NOT

Community Composting is not a compost drop off site for the general public. It is not a space open to the wider community.

It IS a contained compost system for multiple families for a community such as a school, a garden, members of an organization, etc, who organize a compost committee, a compost manager, and any other organizers who manage the site. Participants typically receive some kind of education or training before participating in the project, and have clear guidelines about how to use the system.

3-Bin Compost Plans

Check out this design for a well-built, fully lined 3-bin compost system designed specifically for multiple family inputs.

This bin plan was designed by Theron Lay-Sleeper, in his capacity as an Eco AmeriCorps service member for the CVSWMD in FY19 and FY20. 
3-bin_compost_bin_plans.pdf
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Food Scrap Options & the Law

Vermont's Universal Recycling Law reduces waste by banning recyclables and organics from the landfill. "Organics" includes food scraps, leaf and yard waste and clean wood, for all businesses, organizations and residents by 2020.  

Food scraps + leaf and yard waste?! Perfect ingredients for compost!

Many people have already been composting food scraps and yard waste,  for decades. Some are starting now, inspired by the upcoming landfill ban. Here's a list of ways you can keep your food scraps out of the trash, comply with state law, and keep your trash from smelling badly (no food scraps in trash = no stink!)

- Compost food scraps in your backyard
- Contract with a curbside compost hauler such as Earthgirl Composting
- Drop off your food scraps at any transfer station  (for a fee)
- Work with your neighbors who compost - maybe they'll share!
- Learn more about community composting!

Community Composting Resources

The Vermont Community Garden Network has a thorough Community Compost Readiness Guide, here. If you are considering community composting, first read through this guide. 

Community Composting Readiness Info. 

CVSWMD Sites